Congress Should Support Humanitarian Parole for Cameroon
By Sylvie Bello and Tessa Petit
For decades, the Special Humanitarian Parole program has been a lifeline for those fleeing violence and persecution. Yet, despite its critical role, no African country has ever been included in this program. This troubling pattern of exclusion reflects deeper systemic biases within our immigration policies that must be urgently addressed.
Cameroon, a country currently ravaged by political instability and armed conflict, stands as a stark example of why this exclusion must end. The nation is grappling with five ongoing conflicts that have displaced thousands and left many more in desperate need of protection. The human toll of these crises is staggering — over 6,000 dead since 2016 — and countless Cameroonians are forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
In response to this dire situation, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) has introduced H.Res. 1048, a resolution calling for the establishment of a Special Humanitarian Parole program for Cameroon. This resolution aims to provide the same protections and support afforded to individuals from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Haiti — countries that have all received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or similar relief in recent years. Given the severity of the crisis in Cameroon, it is both necessary and just to extend this vital assistance to Cameroonian migrants.
Here in Florida, the Cameroon American Council (CAC) and the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) have been leading advocacy efforts on behalf of Cameroonian and other Black migrants. Our organizations have tirelessly worked to engage with Congress and fight for fair treatment of these communities. Despite our efforts, there remains a significant gap in support at the federal level, particularly among Florida’s congressional delegation.
Currently, only Rep. Kathy Castor has endorsed H.Res. 1048. This leaves 29 other members of Florida’s delegation who have yet to show their support for this crucial resolution. With a substantial Cameroonian and African migrant population in our state, it is essential that our representatives stand up for these communities and push for equitable immigration policies.
The exclusion of African nations from humanitarian relief programs is not a mere oversight but a reflection of systemic biases that need to be confronted. The lack of African countries in the Special Humanitarian Parole program highlights a broader issue of inequity within our immigration system. By failing to include Cameroon and other African nations, we perpetuate a cycle of exclusion and neglect that must end.
We call on Florida’s congressional delegation to take immediate action by:
Supporting and co-signing H.Res.1048 to establish a Special Humanitarian Parole program for Cameroon.
Participating in briefings and town halls to address the disparities and anti-Africanness in immigration relief programs.
Seeking meetings or briefings with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and within the Florida congressional delegation to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Cameroon and the urgent need for this program.
Raising awareness among the remaining members of the Florida delegation to ensure they are informed about H.Res.1048 and encouraged to co-sign.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Cameroonians face severe threats to their lives, and the current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) does not cover those who arrived after October 5, 2023, leaving many without necessary protection. By endorsing H.Res. 1048, Congress has the opportunity to address these disparities and provide the support that Cameroonians urgently need.
This is not merely about providing aid; it is about rectifying long-standing injustices and ensuring that our immigration policies reflect the values of fairness and humanity that define our nation. The lives and safety of countless Cameroonians are at stake, and it is incumbent upon our leaders to act decisively and equitably.
We urge all members of Florida’s congressional delegation to support H.Res.1048. It is time to correct the inequities in our immigration system and extend the compassion and support that so many desperate people need.
Sylvie Bello is a member of the Cameroonian American Council. Tessa Petit is the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
